September 3, 2015

Austin, TX - One of the most eagerly awaited Prog albums of 2015 will be released in September by The Aaron Clift Experiment! Titled “Outer Light, Inner Darkness”, this is the second CD by the Austin ensemble and marks a musical plateau for the group with its intricate compositions, complex arrangements and virtuosic performances!

Band leader, Aaron explains, “ 'Outer Light, Inner Darkness' is a concept album about duality: light vs. darkness, individual vs. group, hope vs. despair, etc. Songs in the first half of the album detail the conflict between these opposing forces, while the songs in second half of the album are a journey toward reconciling the extremes. The album culminates with 'Bathed in Moonlight,' a song about how humanity can learn to embrace its outer light and inner darkness and become one with both sides of its nature.”

Just as scientists conduct experiments by using their knowledge to explore the unknown, The Aaron Clift Experiment combines elements of classic and cutting-edge music into an innovative whole. The band's unique songs draw from a wide range of influences – from classic progressive rock acts like Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Rush to modern groups like Porcupine Tree and Opeth to classical and jazz composers like Beethoven, Schubert, and John Coltrane. Aside from its diversity, The Aaron Clift Experiment is dedicated to producing soulful, powerful music and an intense live show.

In 2012, the band released its critically acclaimed debut album, “Lonely Hills,” to rave reviews from both fans and the music press and was named one of the best unsigned bands of 2013 by Prog Magazine.

With the release of the band's second album, “Outer Light, Inner Darkness” in September 2015, The Aaron Clift Experiment continues to lead the way in fusing the sophistication and depth of classical music with the passion and raw power of rock and roll. What began as an idea of how to create music has now blossomed into a full-fledged experiment. The band invites you to join them in this experiment as they embark on their new path.

Says Aaron, “Although The Aaron Clift Experiment started as my solo project, 'Outer Light, Inner Darkness' marks the birth of ACE as a full-fledged band. Unlike the first album, in which I wrote all the songs and arrangements, the songwriting and arranging process for the second album was a largely collaborative process, with all of the band members contributing elements to the sound that makes the album our most diverse to date. One of the fun challenges of co-writing between me and my band mates is that we all have very distinct songwriting styles and music preferences. As a result, we all pushed each other to write outside of our comfort zones. Sometimes this could be disorienting process, but in the end, it helped us write our strongest songs to date. The song, 'Aoide, Goddess of Song,' was in a way my commentary on what it can be like to come up with brand new music.”

Here's what the press has raved about The Aaron Clift Experiment:

“The Aaron Clift Experiment strikes a nerve right away . . . pleasing as well as entertaining for the ears and mind, a true prog experience.” - Closet Concert Arena“There is a journey to be taken while listening to The Aaron Clift Experiment’s songs, and for me that is one of the most appealing aspects of progressive music.” - Dr. Music’s Weekly Checkup“The Aaron Clift Experiment has great melodies. . .the music is tight and controlled.” - Austin Mix Tape

In support of the new CD release, The Aaron Clift Experiment is currently filming a music video for the album's lead single, “Kissed by the Sun.” The video will debut in late August to coincide with their August 27 album release show in Austin. Next year, they're looking to play some progressive rock festivals, particularly in Europe.